Norman Lee Smith

Mr. Norman Lee Smith, 90, of Mount Airy, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, October 3, 2024. Born February 22, 1934, in Surry County, Norman was reared in Mount Airy and was a passionate learner from a young age. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served four years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Catawba College and later a master’s in educational leadership from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He began his teaching career in the mid-1950s, where he exhibited warmth, creativity, and dedication among students and colleagues alike. Norman dedicated three decades of his life to shaping the minds and futures of countless students, serving both as a teacher and principal in the Surry County School System. Beyond his professional contributions, Norman was deeply involved in his community. He volunteered with local charities, the Mount Airy Lions Club and Bannertown Ruritan Club, and mentored aspiring teachers. As a young person, he made a profession of Christian faith and was active in the local church, Bannertown Baptist. He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Toni and Rodger Voorhies and Donna and John Callaghan; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Michael Smith and Keith and Diane Smith; his grandchildren, Eve and Justin Dowling, Zane and Meghan Smith, Jackson Hammond, Caroline Hammond, Kyle Hammond, Willa Voorhies, Emily and Ed Chilton, Anna and Kinley Jones, and Jessica Smith; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Kathleen Galloway Smith; a granddaughter, Jessica Callaghan; his parents, Chares Lawrence and Hallie Norman Smith; two sisters, Hilda Smith and Nita Jo Bullington; and a brother, Charles “Punk” Smith. The family will receive friends Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 2:00 until 5:00 PM at the Smith home, located at 180 Snapdragon Lane, Mount Airy. No formal memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Mr. Smith’s memory to disaster relief for flood victims of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.